Colm Byrne
@colmpbyrne.bsky.social
Geriatrician. Research into Air Pollution and Health. Frailty at the Front Door. Active travel. Lilywhite. All views my own. He/him.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
It’s extraordinary that as we breach 1.5° - which only in 2018, the IPCC said wouldn’t be reached until 2040 - that the PM is still holding up net zero by 2050 as an adequate response!
The threat level has changed dramatically since the UK adopted its NZ by 2050 aim.
Just a few examples: 🧵
The threat level has changed dramatically since the UK adopted its NZ by 2050 aim.
Just a few examples: 🧵
September 18, 2026 at 8:15 AM
It’s extraordinary that as we breach 1.5° - which only in 2018, the IPCC said wouldn’t be reached until 2040 - that the PM is still holding up net zero by 2050 as an adequate response!
The threat level has changed dramatically since the UK adopted its NZ by 2050 aim.
Just a few examples: 🧵
The threat level has changed dramatically since the UK adopted its NZ by 2050 aim.
Just a few examples: 🧵
I was delighted to present on Positive Ageing in a Changing Climate at @eugms.bsky.social. The decisions we take now will determine the climate we age into. Urgent action is required to mitigate and adapt to the climate change happening now.
September 18, 2026 at 11:03 AM
I was delighted to present on Positive Ageing in a Changing Climate at @eugms.bsky.social. The decisions we take now will determine the climate we age into. Urgent action is required to mitigate and adapt to the climate change happening now.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
The latest observations of monthly-averaged greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O)...
Access the data at gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/
Access the data at gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/
September 17, 2026 at 11:52 PM
The latest observations of monthly-averaged greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O)...
Access the data at gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/
Access the data at gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/
Reposted by Colm Byrne
HEY EVERYONE - NEW REPORT!!!
NVIDIA is the largest company by market cap on the planet. But it hides key climate data, while claiming AI is going to be a 'net benefit' for climate.
We (8 groups) put together the first ever broad critique of NVIDIA's climate record:
ketanjoshi.co/2026/09/16/n...
NVIDIA is the largest company by market cap on the planet. But it hides key climate data, while claiming AI is going to be a 'net benefit' for climate.
We (8 groups) put together the first ever broad critique of NVIDIA's climate record:
ketanjoshi.co/2026/09/16/n...
September 16, 2026 at 7:08 AM
HEY EVERYONE - NEW REPORT!!!
NVIDIA is the largest company by market cap on the planet. But it hides key climate data, while claiming AI is going to be a 'net benefit' for climate.
We (8 groups) put together the first ever broad critique of NVIDIA's climate record:
ketanjoshi.co/2026/09/16/n...
NVIDIA is the largest company by market cap on the planet. But it hides key climate data, while claiming AI is going to be a 'net benefit' for climate.
We (8 groups) put together the first ever broad critique of NVIDIA's climate record:
ketanjoshi.co/2026/09/16/n...
Reposted by Colm Byrne
I don't say this lightly or flippantly: I honestly think this is the most incompetent government we've had in my lifetime and this is a really bad time for it. None of these guys are *anywhere near* qualified for their important ministerial portfolios. An embarrassing shambles of a cabinet
September 11, 2026 at 4:51 AM
I don't say this lightly or flippantly: I honestly think this is the most incompetent government we've had in my lifetime and this is a really bad time for it. None of these guys are *anywhere near* qualified for their important ministerial portfolios. An embarrassing shambles of a cabinet
Ireland says no to more data centres. The fightback starts here in Naas.
Naas has a message for the Bond villains: We don’t want your data centres
Naas has a message for the Bond villains: We don’t want your data centres
Clondalkin is a cautionary tale – but it’s not too late for Naas, town meeting hears
www.irishtimes.com
September 4, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Ireland says no to more data centres. The fightback starts here in Naas.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
Naas has a message for the Bond villains: We don’t want your data centres
Naas has a message for the Bond villains: We don’t want your data centres
Clondalkin is a cautionary tale – but it’s not too late for Naas, town meeting hears
www.irishtimes.com
September 4, 2026 at 7:22 AM
Naas has a message for the Bond villains: We don’t want your data centres
Reposted by Colm Byrne
At a public meeting about a planned data centre in Kildare, more than double the number of expected attendees turned up.
‘We just don’t want them’: hundreds gather in a Kildare town over data centre plans
Noise issues in Clondalkin are a cautionary tale – but it’s not too late for Kildare, town meeting hears
www.irishtimes.com
September 4, 2026 at 8:04 AM
At a public meeting about a planned data centre in Kildare, more than double the number of expected attendees turned up.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
The richest man owns X.
The second and fourth richest men control Google.
The third richest man owns The Washington Post.
The sixth richest man owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
And now the seventh richest could soon take over both Paramount and Warner Bros.
See the problem here?
The second and fourth richest men control Google.
The third richest man owns The Washington Post.
The sixth richest man owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
And now the seventh richest could soon take over both Paramount and Warner Bros.
See the problem here?
August 31, 2026 at 7:01 PM
The richest man owns X.
The second and fourth richest men control Google.
The third richest man owns The Washington Post.
The sixth richest man owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
And now the seventh richest could soon take over both Paramount and Warner Bros.
See the problem here?
The second and fourth richest men control Google.
The third richest man owns The Washington Post.
The sixth richest man owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
And now the seventh richest could soon take over both Paramount and Warner Bros.
See the problem here?
Reposted by Colm Byrne
AI is not just consuming a lot of fossil fuels.
It it also enabling the fossil fuel industry to drill more, faster.
These applications create far more climate pollution than data centers — 3.3x to 13.3x more, according to new peer-reviewed research.
We *have* to start talking about this.
It it also enabling the fossil fuel industry to drill more, faster.
These applications create far more climate pollution than data centers — 3.3x to 13.3x more, according to new peer-reviewed research.
We *have* to start talking about this.
AI’s climate problem is worse than we thought
A new study reveals that AI’s climate impact extends far beyond its massive data center footprint.
heated.world
August 12, 2026 at 5:08 PM
AI is not just consuming a lot of fossil fuels.
It it also enabling the fossil fuel industry to drill more, faster.
These applications create far more climate pollution than data centers — 3.3x to 13.3x more, according to new peer-reviewed research.
We *have* to start talking about this.
It it also enabling the fossil fuel industry to drill more, faster.
These applications create far more climate pollution than data centers — 3.3x to 13.3x more, according to new peer-reviewed research.
We *have* to start talking about this.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
The wildfire in Tipperary covered 700 hectares. The smoke could be smelled 100km away at Cork Airport.
Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael have spent the summer setting the climate act aside, saying it has been "weaponised" by NGOs.
Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael have spent the summer setting the climate act aside, saying it has been "weaponised" by NGOs.
EU crisis chief urges tougher climate action amid France, Spain wildfires https://aje.news/eifpm5
July 29, 2026 at 1:35 PM
The wildfire in Tipperary covered 700 hectares. The smoke could be smelled 100km away at Cork Airport.
Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael have spent the summer setting the climate act aside, saying it has been "weaponised" by NGOs.
Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael have spent the summer setting the climate act aside, saying it has been "weaponised" by NGOs.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
You sometimes see Government TDs pointing out that Ireland isn’t unique in the world in having a housing crisis.
But this graph in today’s Financial Times shows just how extreme ours is compared to the places elsewhere, which also describe themselves as a in a housing crisis.
But this graph in today’s Financial Times shows just how extreme ours is compared to the places elsewhere, which also describe themselves as a in a housing crisis.
![The share of young adults living with their parents is climbing in many countries and cities, with Ireland leading the way % of people aged 25-34 who live with their parents. National averages vs major regions
[5 line graphs. Ireland’s is sharply above 40% since 2010. The rest show US, U.K., Canada and Australia. The next highest result is the US at just over 20%]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zdduilknsuqlql34lkbf5ge5/bafkreibbwrnba7l2mrvet7dairhf5yteo22lnm2ch6s64j6benlx5z5kj4)
July 18, 2026 at 8:38 AM
You sometimes see Government TDs pointing out that Ireland isn’t unique in the world in having a housing crisis.
But this graph in today’s Financial Times shows just how extreme ours is compared to the places elsewhere, which also describe themselves as a in a housing crisis.
But this graph in today’s Financial Times shows just how extreme ours is compared to the places elsewhere, which also describe themselves as a in a housing crisis.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
“The famine is over! The curse be damned!! Hit the nuclear button! Mayo have won the All-Ireland!!”
An all-time great sports commentary moment from Stephen Grealis and Martin McHugh on Mayo’s Midwest Radio.
#gaa
An all-time great sports commentary moment from Stephen Grealis and Martin McHugh on Mayo’s Midwest Radio.
#gaa
July 26, 2026 at 5:37 PM
“The famine is over! The curse be damned!! Hit the nuclear button! Mayo have won the All-Ireland!!”
An all-time great sports commentary moment from Stephen Grealis and Martin McHugh on Mayo’s Midwest Radio.
#gaa
An all-time great sports commentary moment from Stephen Grealis and Martin McHugh on Mayo’s Midwest Radio.
#gaa
Reposted by Colm Byrne
Woo-hoo! My new @bmj.com article On how to fix health. By enabling physical activity eg active travel + public transport.
Discusses #motonormativity, incentives, culture www.bmj.com/content/394/... x
@livingstreets.bsky.social @ianwalker.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @fsem-uk.bsky.social
Discusses #motonormativity, incentives, culture www.bmj.com/content/394/... x
@livingstreets.bsky.social @ianwalker.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @fsem-uk.bsky.social
Scarlett McNally: The NHS rewarding walking doesn’t go far enough to encourage physical activity
NHS England recently announced plans to launch a new incentive scheme that will reward people who achieve 30 minutes of walking a day, adding up to a “marathon in a month.”1 I see several weaknesses i...
www.bmj.com
July 22, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Woo-hoo! My new @bmj.com article On how to fix health. By enabling physical activity eg active travel + public transport.
Discusses #motonormativity, incentives, culture www.bmj.com/content/394/... x
@livingstreets.bsky.social @ianwalker.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @fsem-uk.bsky.social
Discusses #motonormativity, incentives, culture www.bmj.com/content/394/... x
@livingstreets.bsky.social @ianwalker.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @fsem-uk.bsky.social
Reposted by Colm Byrne
Great article from Scarlett here. A short, clear call-to-action that you'll want to share with your local decision-makers
Woo-hoo! My new @bmj.com article On how to fix health. By enabling physical activity eg active travel + public transport.
Discusses #motonormativity, incentives, culture www.bmj.com/content/394/... x
@livingstreets.bsky.social @ianwalker.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @fsem-uk.bsky.social
Discusses #motonormativity, incentives, culture www.bmj.com/content/394/... x
@livingstreets.bsky.social @ianwalker.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @fsem-uk.bsky.social
Scarlett McNally: The NHS rewarding walking doesn’t go far enough to encourage physical activity
NHS England recently announced plans to launch a new incentive scheme that will reward people who achieve 30 minutes of walking a day, adding up to a “marathon in a month.”1 I see several weaknesses i...
www.bmj.com
July 22, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Great article from Scarlett here. A short, clear call-to-action that you'll want to share with your local decision-makers
Reposted by Colm Byrne
New research shows direct link between traffic and crime.
They theorise that the root cause is a breakdown in community ties. When cars are allowed to dominate, people retreat indoors, lose trust in their neighbourhood, and stop looking out for one another.
#ReimagineDublin
They theorise that the root cause is a breakdown in community ties. When cars are allowed to dominate, people retreat indoors, lose trust in their neighbourhood, and stop looking out for one another.
#ReimagineDublin
Does traffic drive street crime? Our study investigated
Motor traffic makes residents feel less safe from vandalism, burglary and violence.
theconversation.com
July 19, 2026 at 7:58 AM
New research shows direct link between traffic and crime.
They theorise that the root cause is a breakdown in community ties. When cars are allowed to dominate, people retreat indoors, lose trust in their neighbourhood, and stop looking out for one another.
#ReimagineDublin
They theorise that the root cause is a breakdown in community ties. When cars are allowed to dominate, people retreat indoors, lose trust in their neighbourhood, and stop looking out for one another.
#ReimagineDublin
Reposted by Colm Byrne
Micheál Martin says he's "leaning towards" banning e-scooters because of rising injuries and the misuse of e-scooters and scramblers by criminal gangs.
But those are two completely different problems.
One is public health.
The other is criminality.
But those are two completely different problems.
One is public health.
The other is criminality.
July 14, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Micheál Martin says he's "leaning towards" banning e-scooters because of rising injuries and the misuse of e-scooters and scramblers by criminal gangs.
But those are two completely different problems.
One is public health.
The other is criminality.
But those are two completely different problems.
One is public health.
The other is criminality.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
Director of a Gaza Hospital, Dr Hussain Abu Safiya is in horrific danger to his life.
The Foreign Secretary must demand Israel provides urgent treatment and releases him.
He's been detained by Israel without charge since 2024 and reported to have new life threatening injuries.
The Foreign Secretary must demand Israel provides urgent treatment and releases him.
He's been detained by Israel without charge since 2024 and reported to have new life threatening injuries.
July 5, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Director of a Gaza Hospital, Dr Hussain Abu Safiya is in horrific danger to his life.
The Foreign Secretary must demand Israel provides urgent treatment and releases him.
He's been detained by Israel without charge since 2024 and reported to have new life threatening injuries.
The Foreign Secretary must demand Israel provides urgent treatment and releases him.
He's been detained by Israel without charge since 2024 and reported to have new life threatening injuries.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
Another one bites the dust as new advice from @icesmarine.bsky.social for plaice in the Irish Sea is that fishing for it should stop entirely - advice which will be ignored as it has been for other species.
Another casualty of destructive bottom trawling.
Another casualty of destructive bottom trawling.
July 5, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Another one bites the dust as new advice from @icesmarine.bsky.social for plaice in the Irish Sea is that fishing for it should stop entirely - advice which will be ignored as it has been for other species.
Another casualty of destructive bottom trawling.
Another casualty of destructive bottom trawling.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
"Neither my credit card, which I use to pay, works, nor can I make transfers; my health insurance has been canceled, and I can't book hotels. I feel like Pablo Escobar. All because I said, 'In Gaza, Israel is committing genocide.'"
Francesca Albanese
UN Special Rapporteur (Palestine)”
Francesca Albanese
UN Special Rapporteur (Palestine)”
"Ni la tarjeta de crédito con la que puedo pagar funciona, ni puedo realizar transferencias; el seguro médico se me ha cancelado, no puedo reservar en hoteles. Me siento como Pablo Escobar. Solo porque dije: «En Gaza, Israel está cometiendo un genocidio».
Francesca Albanese
Relatora ONU (Palestina)
Francesca Albanese
Relatora ONU (Palestina)
July 1, 2026 at 7:26 PM
"Neither my credit card, which I use to pay, works, nor can I make transfers; my health insurance has been canceled, and I can't book hotels. I feel like Pablo Escobar. All because I said, 'In Gaza, Israel is committing genocide.'"
Francesca Albanese
UN Special Rapporteur (Palestine)”
Francesca Albanese
UN Special Rapporteur (Palestine)”
Reposted by Colm Byrne
Lets have a wee off the top of my head look at some of the Highlights of 'The RCC is at it again'.
🧵
12th Century : Pope Adrian 'gives' Ireland to Henry II of England. Now, while the Papal Bull 'Laudabiliter' is considered a later forgery, the 'gift' did occur. Why?
Doctrine? Kinda.
Money? Oh yes.
🧵
12th Century : Pope Adrian 'gives' Ireland to Henry II of England. Now, while the Papal Bull 'Laudabiliter' is considered a later forgery, the 'gift' did occur. Why?
Doctrine? Kinda.
Money? Oh yes.
It can feel like we've never properly reckoned with places like this and that whole Magdalen Laundry/Industrial School/Orphanage complex which incarcerated so many people. More appetite to hear about the trauma caused to us by the Brits than the damage we did to ourselves perhaps.
923 children died at Bessborough Mother and Baby Home between 1922 and 1998. Only 64 have known graves. Utterly shameful decision by Cork City Council to build apartments on the site. More erasure of the historical mistreatment and shaming of women in Ireland. www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
June 29, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Lets have a wee off the top of my head look at some of the Highlights of 'The RCC is at it again'.
🧵
12th Century : Pope Adrian 'gives' Ireland to Henry II of England. Now, while the Papal Bull 'Laudabiliter' is considered a later forgery, the 'gift' did occur. Why?
Doctrine? Kinda.
Money? Oh yes.
🧵
12th Century : Pope Adrian 'gives' Ireland to Henry II of England. Now, while the Papal Bull 'Laudabiliter' is considered a later forgery, the 'gift' did occur. Why?
Doctrine? Kinda.
Money? Oh yes.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
A native forest completely choked and dying from infestation by rhododendron.
I still hear some say that the invasive species problem is "exaggerated", that "it's all just nature".
They're very wrong. Invasives are a *human* impact, and one of the top causes of biodiversity loss on Earth.
I still hear some say that the invasive species problem is "exaggerated", that "it's all just nature".
They're very wrong. Invasives are a *human* impact, and one of the top causes of biodiversity loss on Earth.
June 25, 2026 at 7:43 AM
A native forest completely choked and dying from infestation by rhododendron.
I still hear some say that the invasive species problem is "exaggerated", that "it's all just nature".
They're very wrong. Invasives are a *human* impact, and one of the top causes of biodiversity loss on Earth.
I still hear some say that the invasive species problem is "exaggerated", that "it's all just nature".
They're very wrong. Invasives are a *human* impact, and one of the top causes of biodiversity loss on Earth.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
New EPA report provides a worrying snapshot of Ireland’s water quality.
There was little change in water quality indicators in 2025, with nutrients from agriculture and wastewater presenting the greatest challenge.
Only 54% of rivers and lakes were found to be in good or better biological quality.
There was little change in water quality indicators in 2025, with nutrients from agriculture and wastewater presenting the greatest challenge.
Only 54% of rivers and lakes were found to be in good or better biological quality.
Government and Uisce Éireann must up their game following EPA’s latest water quality report - Social Democrats
A new report published today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a worrying snapshot of Ireland’s water quality that requires immediate Government attention, according to Social Demo...
www.socialdemocrats.ie
June 17, 2026 at 11:31 AM
New EPA report provides a worrying snapshot of Ireland’s water quality.
There was little change in water quality indicators in 2025, with nutrients from agriculture and wastewater presenting the greatest challenge.
Only 54% of rivers and lakes were found to be in good or better biological quality.
There was little change in water quality indicators in 2025, with nutrients from agriculture and wastewater presenting the greatest challenge.
Only 54% of rivers and lakes were found to be in good or better biological quality.
Reposted by Colm Byrne
How eight beavers solved a decades-old Tube flooding problem
How eight beavers solved a decades-old Tube flooding problem
The creatures were reintroduced in 2023 after being hunted to extinction 400 years ago
www.independent.co.uk
June 16, 2026 at 6:00 AM
How eight beavers solved a decades-old Tube flooding problem
Reposted by Colm Byrne
I've been a broken record on this for three years and I'll be a broken record for as long as that fucking website exists:
X is a viciously racist far-right organising platform that ONLY WORKS because a huge number of centrists, lefties and progressivs cannot stop propping it up
X is a viciously racist far-right organising platform that ONLY WORKS because a huge number of centrists, lefties and progressivs cannot stop propping it up
Elon Musk accused of fuelling unrest after Belfast knife attack
The use of social media in planning violent protests over the Belfast knife attack has drawn condemnation, with Britain's ruling Labour Party accusing Elon Musk of stoking divisions. The tech billiona...
www.yahoo.com
June 10, 2026 at 9:46 AM
I've been a broken record on this for three years and I'll be a broken record for as long as that fucking website exists:
X is a viciously racist far-right organising platform that ONLY WORKS because a huge number of centrists, lefties and progressivs cannot stop propping it up
X is a viciously racist far-right organising platform that ONLY WORKS because a huge number of centrists, lefties and progressivs cannot stop propping it up